Guwahati, March 9: An Assam Rifles battalion will go to Haiti on a UN mission to help in earthquake relief operations.

The Assam Rifles director-general, Lt Gen. K.S. Yadav, told reporters on the sidelines of a motorcycle rally at Judges Field here that this would be the first time that troops from the 175-year-old paramilitary force would be going on a UN mission.

The motorcycle rally, which was flagged off by Assam Governor J.B. Patnaik this afternoon, will cover all the northeastern states. Altogether 30 Assam Rifles personnel, including an officer, are taking part in the rally, which will spread the message of peace, highlight the force’s role and garner goodwill for it.

Apart from the rally, several sporting events will be held during the yearlong celebrations of the force’s 175 years.

Gen. Yadav said it was a proud moment for the Assam Rifles to have been selected for the UN mission.

“The oldest paramilitary force in the country has rendered a yeoman service in the northeastern states. In the process, the force turned into friends of the hills people,” he added.

He said another 26 Assam Rifles battalions would be raised very soon to man the volatile Indo-Myanmar border. Assam Rifles now has 46 battalions, 15 of which are deployed along the Indo-Myanmar border. One battalion comprises around 1,000 personnel.

“The home ministry has already given the green signal to raise the new battalions,” he added.